Loss of Semen and Mental Health: Indigenous and Contemporary Perspectives

Semen is globally revered as an important body fluid with historical and psychosocial implications. Therefore, its loss is a major concern and appears to be associated with mental health problems. These conditions are covered under diagnoses like Dhat syndrome. Though these are culturally bound to Southeast Asia, recent literature indicates a global prevalence of these conditions. The present chapter explores the indigenous perspectives on semen to situate the understanding of culture-bound diagnoses, particularly Dhat syndrome. The chapter further examines similar expressions in other cultures and presents an overview of the issue in the contemporary world and virtual space.